Exploring Dawn

A favorite poetic extract that has deep personal meaning to me.

High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim;
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch, concentred all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And, doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust, from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonour’d, and unsung.

Canto VI, Stanza 1, Lines 9-16 (1805)

This was my first full multi-night vacation where I presented the whole time as my true self. It was definitely a safe area in general, but still, it was a huge step. I can’t say how amazing it was and how wonderful I felt.

We had many wonderful encounters with people. One woman talked with us for a while about her own friend’s trans child and in the end, we all ended up hugging. It was so powerful. My heart was soaring. I was able to go shopping for jewelry, clothing, and shoes. And no real hassles or concerns, even from older and younger people. It just worked out. I was just a person at the beach, living her life and not bothering anyone. This is how the world can be and should be.

I did get some glances from a folks here and there, but only once was it bad, and I missed most of it as I was facing a different direction. But some privileged wannabe decided it would be fun to relive her high school bitch phase. She stopped right by our table and dramatically turned to her date and whispered and pointing at me. Probably because I had a killer set of red sandal heels and looked amazing both inside and out. My honey called her out in a nice way and she didn’t know how to respond to being called out and just left.

I won’t end on a downer. We saw old friends. Some knew about me, others didn’t. But, I got hugs and love and just was seen for who I am. I really needed that vacation and it came through for me. 🩷🏳️‍⚧️

p.s. OMG, packing was a pain in the tush. 4 pairs of shoes, multiple outfits, makeup, jewelry case, etc. But, I used everything. Important lesson for people of all genders, break in your shoes before doing 5 miles walks! Or, come prepared with band-aids I had some so I was good to go.

Amazing playlist this morning for my workout. I made a new list for 2026 finally (almost 5 months in) and put it on shuffle. It doesn’t always sync up with my exercise but today it nailed it. It was a 48 minute workout and the last song was finishing as I finished. 🎵

• I Am The Best (Just Ask Your Momma) - Delilah Bon
• Girls in Bikinis - Poppy
• Blood on the Stone - H6LLB6ND6R
• Make It Right - The Coathangers
• Sabotage - Beastie Boys
• Chop Dicks - Delilah Bon
• Jolene (remastered) - Tears for the Dying
• Butterfly - Crazy Town
• Out of Luck - H6LLB6ND6R
• I’m a Man Too - Death Valley Girls
• Armageddon - H6LLB6ND6R
• Lost Girls - Tears for the Dying
• Straight to Hell - H6LLB6ND6R
• Shadows - Tears for the Dying
• Yoo Hoo - Imperial Teen
• Perfume - The Coathangers

I have loved the Voyager program since before it launched. It is an amazing feat of engineering and passion. I read NPR’s story on shutting down one more instrument on Voyager 1 to help extend its life for maybe at least another year. I was sad but I still love that this little probe is still going, still performing science, and still sharing its information back to its home world.

Go Voyager! You show the best of humanity, even when we don’t always deserve something as amazing as you.

Since it’s National Poetry Month, I want to highlight my recent collection that I published in March. Digital copies are on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple & Amazon for 99¢ now; and a print version is on Amazon for $4.99.

Check out “becoming” by Dawn Asson if you are interested in this girl’s trans journey so far. It’s a collection of 28 poems that poured out of me. They are full of fear, happiness, exploration, regret, and hope.

Thank you! 🩷🏳️‍⚧️